Sip, shop, and uncover John Ringling's St. Armands legacy
Tea & olive oil, plate, wine
Explore the history of St. Armands, once owned by circus magnate John Ringling, while enjoying boutique browsing and curated tastings. Choose time to shop independently or visit the St. Armands Magical Garden.
Guests meet the tour guide for an overview of the unique history of the area, followed by the tea and oil samplings and visit to the gift store. A brief seating for a sampler plate paired with a glass of bubbles. Guests can then browse/shop independently for 30 minutes or visit a couple of landmark spots with the guide. Guests reconvene at a sweet treat spot at the conclusion.
All tickets are nonrefundable after purchase.
Product ID: RAMVAQ
Wear casual or resort-style clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Bring water to stay hydrated.
Prepare for extreme heat and possible pop-up rain or storms.
The route is not strenuous or hilly, and crosswalks are accessible. This walking tour requires keeping pace with the group.
481 John Ringling Blvd
Christine leads most of these Sarasota food tours, and she clearly knows her city inside and out. Guests consistently rave about her storytelling, local knowledge, and genuine enthusiasm for Sarasota's history, art scene, and architecture. The tours cover three restaurant stops over about three hours of walking, and most guests leave full and happy, with the Italian restaurant being a particular crowd favorite. A handful of reviewers felt the restaurant selection could be more adventurous, and one noted that larger group sizes made the experience feel less intimate. These are worth keeping in mind, though the majority of guests had no such complaints and many said they were pleasantly surprised by how much food was included. If you're visiting Sarasota and want a fun introduction to the city that goes beyond typical sightseeing, this tour delivers on both food and local flavor. The combination of history, neighborhood highlights, and curated dining spots makes it a genuinely useful experience, not just a meal.
Christine is quite knowledgable. Enjoyed this tour very much.
Linda Gould
July 27, 2026
Christine is quite knowledgable. Enjoyed this tour very much.
Linda Gould
July 27, 2026
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